I have only to tell you that the constitution for the present is laid over and will be taken up again next October, at which time you must be a judge—the matter is finally settled and determined upon—your amiable character and abilities are well known to many who never had the pleasure of seeing you. Dr. Burke presents his best compliments to you—that gentleman and myself lodge in the same house together, and have frequent communion with each other on politics, defence of the country, &c.—our whole time has been taken up here in raising and arming men, and making every necessary military arrangement. The word is war, or, as Virgil expresses it, bella, horrida bella. 2,000 Ministerial troops are in Cape Fear River—5,000 more hourly expected—to oppose the whole will require a large force, but large as it may be supplied from this province only—though Gen. Lee has on the frontiers of this province 3,000 brave men ready to assist us—we shall be under the necessity of striking half a million of money to carry on the war—this will perhaps strike you with astonishment, but when I see you, shall have it in my power to make you very easy on that head.